Structure

As a rule, well, I don't like to live by too many rules... I especially don't like rules when it comes to making art.  But for some reason, I seem to be jumping all over the place lately.  I felt like I needed to settle down, focus on something, try to reign it in a little.

I decided to get Pam Carriker's new book when I saw that it was 30 days of lessons, with a completed journal at the end.  It appeared that I had most of the supplies for most of the lessons, and she gives alternatives to the supplies I don't have. 

Loved the first lesson, mixing watercolors and making a color wheel on a coffee filter. However, I really didn't care for the look of the colors I mixed myself, so I used my old Prang set, with its bright vibrant colors, and made a second wheel.  I didn't care much for my second page either - it just seems too drab and dark. 

But I'm forging ahead anyway.  It's for me, it's not going on exhibit or anything...  What I really DID like is the scrap paper from when I painted my color wheel.  The color bled through the coffee filter and made a really great secondary wheel.  I put extra pages in my journal when I made it, and I think this will go in the journal at some point. 

This is the book - it looks a whole lot like her first book, but has the word "creating" at the top.  I think I'll enjoy doing this, even though it has taken me 7 days to complete one and one-half lessons!

I may need more cookies....

Washi tape.  I don't need any more, and I don't look for any more.  But it still has a way of finding me.  I am always seeking ways to store it.  I have shared some of my storage methods before.  Such as the postal sorter cabinet...

The wax paper boxes....

I have tried narrow plastic baskets....

These all fit in the plastic drawers where I keep most of my tape (except the cabinet above of course). Then I noticed a a clear plastic tray that came in a pack of cookies. It was perfect for holding three rows of tape, plus it has ridges in the bottom to keep tapes from getting too unruly.

I do like having my tapes where I can see what's there, plus I like to be able to grab a roll without too much trouble.  That's why systems with a dowel rod don't work for me.  I don't like to move several rolls of other tape to get to the one I want to use.

But having said that, there are tons of ways people store their tapes.  For some varied ideas, go here and have a look.  If I had room, I think I'd like the K-cup dispenser with its spiral tower holding rolls of tape.  So much fun visually. 

I may need more cookies though.  You know, for the tray....

Commitment Anxiety

I'm not sure what my problem is with this journal page I've started.  I know what I want to do and generally how I want to do it.  But for some reason, I'm having trouble gluing the parts down!

I started by putting some painters tape down the center of the page, then used a palette knife to place a smooth layer of white gesso on the left.  I pressed an old book page onto the gesso, rubbed it down, then tore it off before it could dry completely, leaving some reversed text there.

I then took a magazine page with a face on it, and traced part of the face on tracing paper.

I cut the magazine page in half but have not glued it to the journal page yet.

The tracing paper part of the face will go over the text.

What I plan to do is paint some details on the back of the tracing paper before gluing it down, and will paint more on the top of the tracing paper once it is glued. But for some reason, I'm having trouble thinking through the negative and positive, the reverse painting, etc.  I think I'm intimidated by the eye.  I'm not very good with painting eyes.  Don't be surprised if she ends with with a flower over her eye, or a patch!

 

Maybe I'm just thinking too much...

 

Tip of the Day

Where have I been?  I have no idea.  Seems like all I have been doing is working and sleeping.  Next thing I know, we are well into October and I haven't posted anything all month!

My tip of the day is to look around you.  I'll bet there are things in your home that you see every day, but you have been looking at them so long, you no longer "see" them.  Take some close-up photos of them.  You will love those things all over again!

This is from a gift I received many years ago.  I've been trying to get some good close-up shots of things like this and having fun doing it!